Depth of field (DOF) refers to how much of a photo is sharp in front and back of where you focus on the main subject. DOF is primarily controlled by aperture size though other factors come into play such as the focal length of the lens and the distance the background is from the subject.
Photographers may consciously control depth of field for artistic purposes, aiming to achieve attractive background blur known as bokeh. For example, a shallow depth of field is often used when taking close up shots so the background is blurred and the main subject is in sharp focus.
More (deep) DOF
Photo with deep depth of field
Deep depth of field means that all or most of the picture is in focus from front to back. It is often used for capturing subjects in the distance, such as in landscape scenes.
The further away your camera is from the subject, the greater the depth of field.
Higher f-stop numbers obtained by using smaller apertures produce deep depth of field. Short focal lengths, such as when a lens is set at wide angle, help increase depth of field.
Less (shallow) DOF
Photo with shallow depth of field
Less depth of field means that a subject is in focus but objects in front and behind it appear out of focus. Less DOF is often desired when taking portrait, close-up and macro shots.
Lower f-stops (larger apertures) decrease DOF. Long focal lengths (zooming in) produce less DOF.
You can also make the background appear out of focus by placing the subject close to the camera and having the background far away.
If you can’t manually control aperture, use Portrait mode for shallow depth of field. For deep depth of field, use Landscape or Infinity mode.
Depth of field video tutorial
Very well done.
[...] Source : http://www.digicamhelp.com/taking-photos/advanced-techniques/dof/ [...]
An excellent depth of field video tutorial. Many thanks.
Hi, I just bought a Canon s90 and I’m having trouble getting shallow DoF from it. I am an Intro. Photo. student and I can’t get the same shallow depth at the lowest aperture, f2, in my practice shots. Everything stays in focus on shots I try, like with the teacups. Is there anything else I should be doing to get these types of shots?
Dan, For shots like the mug, zoom in get closer to the subject (though not close like a macro shot). If you’re shooting a portrait shot, move the subject a few feet away from the background, rather than having him or her stand close to it.
Check out the Depth of field quick guide
Here are a few examples of what you can expect from the s90. Check the EXIF data for the aperture used.
btw, because the s90 has a small sensor (though larger than most compact cameras), don’t expect to achieve blurred backgrounds like you would with a DSLR. But you can get some blurred background by using the suggestions above. Experiment.
Enjoy your new camera!
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